What dates should I know this election?

Make sure your voice is heard by voting on time and at the correct location. Here are some key dates to remember.

This Election Day is significant in Illinois because voters will have the chance, for the first time in 50 years, to tell state leaders whether they want their income taxes raised and whether they trust state lawmakers with greater power to set their tax rates.

Information about local election authorities and polling places is available here. Also important is knowing the deadlines and dates that matter. Here’s a breakdown:

Sept. 24 – Early voting began statewide. Vote by mail ballots started being sent out. Click here for more information on how to vote early in Illinois.

Oct. 1 – First day of early voting in Cook County.

Oct. 6 – Regular voter registration ended. Not sure if you’re registered? Click here to find out more information.

Oct. 7 – Grace period registration opened.

Oct. 18 – Online voter registration ends.

Oct. 29 – Deadline to request vote by mail ballot. For more information about voting by mail, click here.

Nov. 2 – Early voting ends. Click here to look up your polling place, location and hours.

Nov. 3 – Election Day. Polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Vote by mail ballots must be postmarked by this day.
• 7 p.m., absentee and vote by mail ballots begin being counted.

Nov. 17 – Last day for election authorities to accept mailed ballots, which must be postmarked no later than Nov. 3.